Why Your Brand Needs a Voice

In the ever-evolving marketing landscape, one element remains timeless and powerful: The human voice.

Whether it’s a soothing narration in a commercial, an engaging podcast host, or the voice behind a customer service line, the choice of voice can significantly impact how your brand is perceived.

In this article

1. Understanding Brand Voice vs. Literal Voice
2. Brand Voice as a Style Guide
3. Literal Voice in Audio Marketing
4. The Importance of Choosing the Right Voice
5. Emotional Connection
6. Consistency Across Channels
7. Human vs. AI Voices: Exploring Voices’ Offerings
8. Human Voice Actors
9. AI Licensing Feature
10. Strategic Considerations for Selecting a Voice
11. Conclusion

This blog explores the distinction between a brand’s voice as a style guide and its literal voice in audio marketing materials, and highlights the importance of selecting the right voice, be it human or AI, for your brand’s marketing strategy.

Understanding Brand Voice vs. Literal Voice

Brand Voice as a Style Guide

This is what many may first think of when speaking about Brand Voice.

A brand’s voice in the context of a style guide refers to the consistent expression of the brand’s personality and values through written communication. 

It encompasses the tone, language, and style used across all text-based content, ensuring that whether someone reads an email, a social media post, or a blog article, they experience a cohesive representation of the brand. 

This voice is crafted to resonate with the target audience and convey the brand’s identity effectively.

Literal Voice in Audio Marketing

On the other hand, a brand’s literal voice pertains to the actual auditory element used in audio and video marketing materials. 

This includes voice overs for commercials, narrations for explainer videos, voices for podcasts, and even the tone used in automated customer service systems. 

The literal voice is not just about what is said but how it is said; the emotion, inflection, and clarity all contribute to how messages are received by your audience.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Voice

Emotional Connection

The human voice has an innate ability to convey emotions and build connections. 

A well-chosen voice can evoke trust, excitement, empathy, or urgency; emotions that are crucial for engaging audiences. 

For instance, a warm and friendly voice might be ideal for a family-oriented product, while a confident and authoritative tone could suit a financial services brand.

Consistency Across Channels

Just as consistency is key in written communication, it is equally important in audio branding. 

The literal voice should align with the brand’s overall personality as defined by its style guide. 

This ensures that whether customers are reading your content or listening to it, they receive a unified message that reinforces your brand identity.

Human vs. AI Voices: Exploring Voices’ Offerings

In the realm of audio marketing, the choice between human and AI voices is increasingly significant. 

Voices, is the global leader in voice over and offers a comprehensive selection of both human voice actors and cutting-edge AI voice technology, providing brands with versatile options to suit their unique needs.

Human Voice Actors

Voices has the world’s largest selection of professional voice actors, offering a diverse range of voices, language and accents that can cater to any brand’s specific requirements. 

Whether you need a voice that is warm and friendly, authoritative and commanding, or anything in between, Voices provides access to talent that can deliver nuanced performances tailored to your brand’s identity. 

The human touch in voice overs often brings authenticity and emotional depth that can be pivotal in forming genuine connections with your audience.

AI Voice Technology

Recognizing the growing demand for fast, scalable and cost-effective solutions, Voices has expanded its offerings to include advanced AI voice technology. 

This technology allows brands to generate high-quality voice overs quickly and efficiently, making it an attractive option for projects with tight deadlines or limited budgets. 

The AI Voices are designed to mimic human-like inflections, pacing and tones, providing a level of versatility that can be adapted across various marketing channels.

These AI Voices have been ethically sourced and created in conjunction with leading voice actors from around the world.

AI Licensing Feature

A standout feature of Voices’s AI offerings is our innovative AI licensing model. 

This feature allows brands to license AI-generated voices for specific uses, ensuring legal clarity and compliance while using AI voices in their marketing materials. 

This licensing model provides brands with the flexibility to utilize AI voices across different platforms while maintaining control over how these voices are employed. It also ensures that brands can seamlessly integrate AI voices into their strategies without compromising on quality or authenticity.

Strategic Considerations for Selecting a Voice

Here are four important considerations your brand will need to review when selecting a voice to represent your audioprint:

1. Audience Demographics: Understand who your audience is and what type of voice they would find relatable and appealing.
2. Brand Values: Choose a voice that embodies your brand’s core values and mission.
3. Cultural Relevance: Ensure that the chosen voice respects cultural nuances and resonates with diverse audiences.
4. Versatility: Consider whether the voice can adapt to various contexts and messages within your marketing strategy.

Conclusion

The power of a human voice in marketing cannot be underestimated. 

It serves as an auditory ambassador for your brand, capable of building emotional connections and enhancing customer experiences. 

By carefully selecting when to use human and AI voices, and ensuring alignment with your brand’s style guide, you can create compelling audio content that resonates with your audience and strengthens your overall marketing strategy. 

As you navigate this choice, remember that at its core, effective branding is about authentic connection. 

There’s nothing quite like the human (or ethically sourced AI) voice to achieve that.